Singapore has one of the most successful education systems in the world. The nation’s education market emphasises quality higher education, and as a result, students consistently excel in reading, literacy, science, and mathematics.
Did you know: Singapore is home to universities that have been listed in the top 10 best universities in Asia 2024 by the Times Higher Education. These universities attract international students for dual degrees, research and development, exchange programs and more.
The top universities in Singapore for international students offer a wide range of courses such as Engineering and Science, Law, Business and Management, promising excellent career prospects to students upon their degree completion.
Looking for more information on how to study in Singapore? This comprehensive guide will unlock valuable information about studying in Singapore including cost of studying, scholarships, student visa and the top universities in Singapore for masters, and more.
Key Highlights:
| Highlight | Details |
| Language of Instruction | English |
| Exams Required | IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, GRE |
| Admission Requirements to Study in Singapore | Complete 12 years of general education by July in the year of application, IELTS score – 7 |
| Intakes | August and January |
| Type of Visa | Singapore Student Visa |
| Top Courses | -Business & Management -Design & Media -Computer Science & IT |
| Top Universities | -National University of Singapore -Nanyang Technological University -Singapore University of Technology & Design |
| Top Companies in Singapore | -Accenture -KPMG -EY |
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Why Study in Singapore?
Did you know: According to the Bureau of Immigration, Singapore is among the top 10 destinations for Indians going abroad for higher studies during the last 5 years. Read on if you’re looking for more reasons to consider choosing Singapore as your study abroad destination:
- Reputation for Academic Excellence: Singapore’s education system is considered top-notch and has a great reputation for academic excellence in Asia and worldwide. As per the latest QS World University Rankings (WUR) 2024 results, the National University of Singapore (NUS) ranks eighth in the world and first in Asia. It is the only institution from Asia to rank in the top 10.
- Safe and Secure Environment: The 2024 Safety Index by Global Residence Index ranked Singapore as the 7th safest country in the world. The laws in this island country are strictly enforced, accounting for its low crime rate. This undoubtedly attracts Indian students to study in Singapore.
- Employability: The National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University are ranked #9 and #35 respectively in the Global University Employability Ranking 2023-34 by the Times Higher Education. Additionally, many MNCs like Facebook, Twitter, Tencent have established their regional headquarters in Singapore.
- English-taught Programs: Singapore has 4 official languages namely: Malay, Mandarin Chinese, Tamil, and English. As English is the medium of instruction, language is not a barrier for students looking to study popular courses in Singapore.
- High Quality of Life: Mercer ranked Singapore as the leading city in Asia, renowned for its high quality of living. Further, in the Expat Insider Report 2023, Singapore is ranked #3 for quality of life. As a result, international students in Singapore are set for an immersive experience, enhancing the overall value of the educational journey.
Why wait? Read below to learn about the top universities to study in Singapore, their courses, admission requirements, scholarships, and more.
Top 5 Universities to Study in Singapore
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Education System in Singapore
The Ministry of Education aims to bring out the best in every student and realise their potential. Singapore has a well-defined four-tier model of education and here’s everything you need to know about it:
| Education Level | Duration | Description |
| Primary | 6 years | Free and compulsory education starting at age seven |
| Secondary | 4 to 5 years | Students are placed in different tracks based on PSLE results: -Express -Normal (Academic) -Normal (Technical) |
| Post Secondary | 2 to 3 years | -Junior Colleges -Singapore Sports School / School of the Arts -Singapore (SOTA) -Polytechnics |
| Universities | 1 to 4 years (Depending on the program and degree pursued) | After pre-university, students go to universities for degrees |
Top Bachelors and Masters Courses in Singapore
Singapore is ranked #15th in QS Best Student Cities 2024. In recent years, the number of full-time students enrolled in universities in Singapore has been around 80,000.
Top Bachelors Courses in Singapore
Did you know that as of September 2023, 30,615 students enrolled in full-time courses at NUS, one of the leading universities in Singapore?
Read on to learn some of the most popular and best courses universities in Singapore are known for and the best colleges where you can pursue them.
| Popular Courses | Tuition Fee per year (INR) | Best Colleges |
| Design and Engineering | INR 15L to INR 20L | -National University of Singapore -Nanyang Technological University |
| Humanities and Sciences | INR 15L to INR 20L | -National University of Singapore -Singapore Management University |
| Business & Management | INR 10L to INR 40L | -INSEAD -Singapore Management University |
| Medicine(Nursing) | INR 15 to INR 20L | -Singapore Management University -National University of Singapore |
| Dentistry | INR 55L to INR 65L | -James Cook University Singapore -National University of Singapore |
Top Masters Courses in Singapore
Are you aware that B-Schools in Singapore are popular for offering excellent MBA programs? Upon completion of an MBA from a top university like NUS, you can expect a significant increase in salary, often up to 170% higher than your pre-MBA salary.
| Popular Courses | Average Tuition Fee per year (INR) | Best Colleges |
| Law | INR 30L to INR 40L | -NUS Law -Singapore Management University |
| Design & Media | INR 30L to INR 50L | -Singapore University of Technology and Design -Nanyang Technological University |
| MBA | INR 80L to INR 1Cr | -INSEAD Singapore -SP Jain School of Global Management |
| Business Management | INR 40L to INR 50L | -Singapore University of Technology & -Design -Singapore Management University |
| International Business | INR 20L to INR 30L | -Curtin Singapore -Singapore Institute of Management |
Intakes in Singapore
When planning to study in Singapore, it’s important that you understand the timing for applying to universities. NUS and NTU offer two intake periods, the August intake and the January intake, while private universities such as PSB Academy have flexible intake schedules, which include February and August.
The table below highlights the time period for intakes at the top public universities in Singapore for international students.
| Intake Period | Application Opening Period | Program Start |
| Main Intake – August | December | August |
| Secondary Intake – January | July | January |
Admission Requirements for Study in Singapore
The general eligibility criteria for international students to study in Singapore are as follows:
- Academic Qualifications
- Complete 12 years of general education by July in the year of application
- Accept A-level and other high school diploma
- English Language Proficiency
| English Proficiency Test | Minimum Score |
| IELTS | 7 Band score |
| TOEFL | 93, with at least 22 for reading and 22 for writing |
| PTE Academic | 66, with at least 66 for reading and 56 for writing |
Please note: These are the minimum score requirements for English proficiency tests and may vary depending on the program or university.
- Other Documents
- High school results
- Original copies of identification
- Valid passport
- Letter of recommendation
- Other documents submitted in support of the application
Student Visa Requirements to Study in Singapore
Student visa in Singapore is referred to as a ‘Student Pass’. It is mandatory to obtain it if you plan to study at an Institute of Higher Learning (IHL) in Singapore for more than 30 days.
Applicants are required to submit their applications to ICA online. Whether you plan to study at an Institute of Technical Education or an Institute of Higher Learning, here are the key requirements summarised for easy reference.
- Visa Processing Fees: INR 3,700
- Processing Time: Within 1 week
- Exemption from Applying Pass: If you hold a valid Dependant’s Pass, Long-Term Visit Pass or Immigration Exemption Order
Please note this additional information you must keep in mind:
- To apply for the pass, you must be accepted into a full-time course in Singapore (Part-time courses or courses conducted in the evening or during weekends are not eligible).
- After your application has been approved, if you wish to transfer to another school, you will need to submit a new student pass application.
Cost of Studying in Singapore
Financial planning is another crucial aspect to consider when you plan to study in Singapore. Moving to a foreign country not only requires you to pay attention to tuition fees but also to living and other miscellaneous expenses that you may incur. Let’s take a closer look at both these expenses separately.
- Tuition Fees
The cost of studying in Singapore for Indian students depends on various factors like the level of study, choice of university, course choice, and more. For instance, let’s consider the National University of Singapore (NUS), for which the annual fee range is as follows:
- Undergraduate Courses: INR 15L to INR 60L
- Postgraduate Courses: INR 40L to INR 1Cr
Please note: The course fee will vary depending on the choice of courses and other factors such as the duration of the program, and any additional fees for materials. Check the institution’s website to learn the tuition charged for programmes as per your interest.
- Cost of Living
The cost of living for students depends on your personal needs and lifestyle patterns. So, if you plan to study in Singapore, refer to the table below as a rough guide for planning your expected living costs.
| Expense Category | Monthly Cost |
| Accommodation | INR 40k to INR 1L |
| Food (3 meals) | INR 30k to INR 70k |
| Public Transport | INR 15k to INR 25k |
| Books and Stationery | INR 15k to INR 30k |
| Personal Expenses (Includes toiletry, clothing etc) | INR 15k to INR 30k |
Please note: The sample only includes expenses for your daily essentials.
To meet tuition costs and living expenses, the Ministry of Manpower allows students to work part-time for 16 hours per week while studying and full-time during their vacations.
Scholarships in Singapore for Indian Students
In the latest survey data 2023, the National University of Singapore (NUS) remains the top choice for scholarships among respondents, a trend that has continued since 2019.
Singapore offers various scholarships for Indian students at different study levels, including undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. studies. Here are some notable scholarships.
- George Lyndon Hicks Fellowship 2024
This scholarship by the National Library Board, Singapore aims to help librarians improve their research skills and capability through mentorship and collaboration with Fellows.
| Particulars | Details |
| Application Deadline | May 31, 2024 |
| Offered By | National Library Board, Singapore |
| Terms of the Award | INR 4L/month |
- Lee Kong Chian Research Fellowship 2024
This 6-month residential fellowship program invites applications from historians, curators, academics or independent researchers with proven records of achievement in their chosen research area.
| Particulars | Details |
| Application Deadline | May 31, 2024 |
| Offered By | National Library Board, Singapore |
| Terms of the Award | INR 3L/month |
- National Library Digital Fellowship 2024
National Library Digital Fellowship is open to both local and international students and offers an opportunity to engage in digital research. This could include digital storytelling, data visualisation, mapping, and more.
| Particulars | Details |
| Application Deadline | June 14, 2024 |
| Offered By | National Library Board, Singapore |
| Terms of the Award | INR 3L/month |
- PSB Academy Merit Scholarship for Undergraduate Students 2024
The PSB Academy Merit Scholarship is eligible for all nationalities. It recognises academic excellence and supports deserving students to pursue undergraduate courses.
| Particulars | Details |
| Application Deadline | -January 31 -May 31 -September 30 -November 30 |
| Offered By | PSB Academy |
| Terms of the Award | Based on academic grades and exemplary behaviour |
- ICAO Training Programme for Developing Countries 2024
The Singapore-ICAO Developing Countries Training Programme aims to provide valuable training opportunities for individuals from developing countries in aviation-related fields.
| Particulars | Details |
| Application Deadline | The application deadline for a particular course is 12 weeks before the course start date |
| Offered By | Singapore Government and administered by ICAO |
| Terms of the Award | 330 Fellowships and 10 Scholarships available for ICAO Member States’ officials to attend specialised training at Singapore Aviation Academy |
Job Opportunities in Singapore
According to the World Bank Human Capital Index, Singapore ranks as the best country in the world in human capital development. This indicates that the government is booming with opportunities for students. As per LinkedIn, jobs that help companies use digital technology to grow, especially during uncertain economic times are on the rise in Singapore.
After graduation, you will generally find a pool of opportunities in Finance, Engineering, Cybersecurity, Business Development, and Design.
In the table below, we have listed down the popular job roles in Singapore with average pay.
| Top Job Roles | Average Pay (Per Year in INR) |
| Software Engineer | INR 45L to INR 50L |
| Customer Service Representative | INR 25L to INR 30L |
| Digital Marketer | INR 95L to INR 1Cr |
| Financial Analyst | INR 65L to INR 70L |
| Business Development Manager | INR 60L to INR 65L |
| Data Engineer | INR 40L to INR 50L |
| Cyber Security Specialist | INR 65L to INR 70L |
| Full Stack Developer | INR 65L to INR 70L |
Please note: The average salary will vary widely depending on the industry, experience, degree and job market conditions in Singapore.
Conclusion
The details above cover every aspect to study in Singapore that you must examine before deciding to pursue study in a foreign country. With its unique blend of art and culture, numerous job opportunities, and academic excellence, Singapore has effortlessly positioned itself as a key educational hub in Asia.
The highly regarded institutions such as the National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University offer top-tier education in various disciplines including but not limited to MBA, Law, Engineering and Design.
Additionally, the nation is home to renowned multinational companies such as American Express, Roche, Singlife that provide ample employment opportunities across various industries like banking and financial services.
To conclude, pursuing the course of your choice from one of the top-ranked colleges in Singapore can offer you a unique opportunity to gain real-world experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is Singapore a safe country for students?
A. Yes, absolutely! According to the 2024 Safety Index by Global Residence Index, Singapore is ranked the 7th safest country in the world. The country provides a safe and vibrant environment for students for studying and working.
Q. Is Singapore an expensive study-abroad destination for Indian students?
A. Singapore is relatively inexpensive compared to other Western countries like the US or UK to study abroad for Indian students. With time, it has become an attractive study destination for Indian students owing to its relatively low tuition fees, manageable living costs and top-class universities like NUS and NTU. The average annual fee range at NUS is as follows:
Q. What is the process of obtaining scholarships to study in Singapore?
A. Scholarships in Singapore for Indian students help them finance their studies. To obtain a scholarship, you must thoroughly research the available scholarships. As a next step, you must prepare your application along with the necessary documents and apply early to increase your chances of being selected.
Some of the renowned scholarship programs for Indian students to study in Singapore are:
-George Lyndon Hicks Fellowship 2024
-National Library Digital Fellowship 2024
-PSB Academy Merit Scholarship for Undergraduate Students 2024
Q. How can one get permanent residency in Singapore after studying?
A. Foreign students studying in Singapore can apply for permanent residence by submitting an application to the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA). In order to be eligible, they must have lived in Singapore for more than 2 years and have passed at least one national exam – PSLE or GCE ‘N’/’O’/’A’ levels or should be enrolled in the Integrated Programme (IP).
Q. What are the requirements to study in Singapore for Indian students?
A. To study in Singapore, students must have completed 12 years of general education by July of the application year. Additionally, you must demonstrate English language proficiency, which includes achieving a minimum overall score of 7 in the IELTS exam or submitting scores from other tests like PTE Academic/ TOEFL.
Q. How many intakes do universities in Singapore offer?
A. The top colleges in Singapore for international students offer two intakes. The main intake is in August, while the secondary intake is in January. The application for the August intake opens in December, while the January intake begins in July.
Q. Is Singapore a good place to study for Indian students?
A. Singapore is a popular destination for Indian students seeking higher education for numerous reasons. It is home to prestigious universities such as the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU), both of which consistently rank in QS World Ranking. Additionally, Singapore is recognised among safest countries in the world with low crime rates.
Q. Which course is best to study in Singapore?
A. There are several popular courses in Singapore for Indian students not just for undergraduate degrees but also postgraduate courses. Some of the top ones are as follows:
Business Administration
Computer Science
Engineering
Design & Media
Cyber Security
Q. Is it possible for international students to work part-time while pursuing studies in Singapore?
A. Yes! The Ministry of Manpower allows international students to work part-time for 16 hours per week while studying and full-time during their vacations. However, you are not allowed to work if you are an exchange student doing study modules in Singapore.
Q. Which are the highest paying jobs in Singapore?
A. Financial Analyst, Digital Marketer and Cyber Security Specialist are among the highest paying jobs in Singapore. These positions often require years of experience, which contributes to their high salaries.
Financial Analyst: ₹65,00,000 – ₹70,00,000
Digital Marketer: ₹95,00,000 – ₹,100,00,000
Cyber Security Specialist: ₹65,00,000 – ₹70,00,000
Q. What are the documents required to complete your student visa application?
A. Student visa in Singapore is referred to as a ‘Student Pass’. Keep these documents handy while applying for a student visa in Singapore.
-Registration acknowledgement letter from your university
-Email address
-Recent passport-sized, digital, colour photograph taken within the last three months
-Residential address and contact details in Singapore
-Personal information like your educational background
Q. Is an IELTS test score required to study in Singapore?
A. IELTS/ TOEFL scores are recommended but not universally required to study in Singapore. Depending on the course and institution, some courses may require SAT/GMAT/GRE scores.
-IELTS: A minimum overall score of 7
-TOEFL: Must be equivalent to or more than 600 for paper-based test.
-250 for computer-based tests 100 for internet-based tests
Please note that the required IELTS and TOEFL scores may vary depending on the course and university.
